Nandi controversy: A murky FB post & the need for reforms

  • IndiaGlitz, [Friday,November 17 2017]

With Maddineni Ramesh, a member of the Nandi jury, writing an outrageously vulgar and unprintable post abusing Ram Gopal Varma on Facebook, the Nandi controversy has taken an unsavoury turn.

In the now-controversial post, Ramesh is seen chastising RGV in the most obscene language. What is Ramu's sin? He had cast aspersions on the impartiality of the Nandi jury, which has come in for criticism for showing bias in favour of certain films and actors/technicians.

RGV has responded with dignity. Saying that Ramesh's remarks only speak ill of the government's wisdom and sense of judgement, Varma has added that he is wondering if he should start pitying the government.

That someone who is in a responsible position has stooped to an all-time low when faced with probing questions and criticism, is obnoxious. Perhaps, the latest controversy is an opportunity for the government to revamp the selection process of the Nandi awards committees in future.

The first step would be to disqualify Ramesh from all future posts.